Shingles virus is called the varicella zoster virus. This virus is initially responsible for causing chicken pox and this disease is fairly common among children. Once a person has had chicken pox the virus tends to remain within the nerve cells of the person’s spinal cord. This virus tends to remain dormant and does not cause any specific problems. However if the immune system of a person having this virus becomes weak then it can result in the virus becoming active and this can lead to shingles.

The shingles disease is particularly observed among the elder population and it is not triggered through contact with a person having the chicken pox. Some sort of stress, weakened immune system, increased alcohol intake, steroids intake for a long period of time, immunosuppresent drugs and radiotherapy or chemotherapy can cause the shingles virus to be reactivated.

The first symptoms caused by shingles virus include increased sensitivity of skin along with a burning sensation. A few days after this the rash is observed and this tends to appear in the form of a band. The initial rash has small red spots on reddened skin and with time the spots form small blisters which tend to dry up and then scabs are formed. The rash is often observed on the trunk regions of the body and the blisters normally tend to crust and fall in around 7 to 10 days. The skin color may change when the scabs fall. This color change in some cases may be permanent.

The shingles virus cannot be transmitted if a person who has it coughs or sneezes. However this virus can be transmitted if an uninfected person comes into direct contact with the blister fluid. So this virus can easily spread till the blisters do not dry and crust over. Those who have shingles should not come into close contact with individuals who have weakened immune system or pregnant women or babies.

As the shingles virus tends to affect the nerves the pain associated with the condition can continue even after the clearance of the rash. This pain can last for weeks or months after the rash and this condition is termed as post herpetic neuralgia. The virus can affect areas of the face like the eye and it can even damage the eye and affect the vision.

No specific tests are needed for a diagnosis of this condition as the location of the rash and its appearance is rather distinctive. The treatment of shingles virus can be done by prescribing some antiviral medication. The pain associated with this infection can also be treated with some over the counter medication. Ice packs along with wet dressings can also provide some relief as can some analgesic lotions.

Additional medicines like amitryptiline may be prescribed for some complications like post herpetic neuralgia. A vaccine for the shingles virus may be given to individuals over the age of 60. Likewise those with weakened immune system and pregnant women who have not had chicken pox may get the vaccine.